05 December 2012

The
holidays are upon us, and as you’re going over the shopping you have to do, you
might pause at the university student on your list. A son, a daughter, a grandchild,
a nephew or a niece — not long ago, they were asking for toys and clothing, but
now you’re at a loss. University students can be hard to shop for, mostly
because you don’t want to overload them with junk that they have to cram into
their small dorm or flat. With any of these five gifts, though, you can’t go
wrong.

1. A Printer

In the digital age, it’s easy to forget that a university
student needs to print documents, but your university student is probably in
need of a printer if they don’t have one already. Even if he or she does, newer
printer models are smaller and more efficient. Plus, these will take up less
space in a crowded flat or room. A printer, perhaps even a combination
scanner-printer, can be used for tasks such as:

·Printing out essays.

·Editing essays; some students and professors
prefer to make edits on paper, so they’re not staring at the glare of a
computer screen for long periods of time.

·Printing out coupons to save money when shopping
on a budget.

·Scanning projects, such as art projects, to turn
them in via email.

·Printing out job applications.

·Printing out business cards.

What if, though, your university student doesn’t have a
desktop or laptop computer; instead, they live off of their tablets or
smartphones? You can print from tablets and smartphones, too, just as easily as
you print from a bulkier computer. At some point, a university student will
need to print a document, even if they don’t have a traditional computer. Don’t
make them run down to the library and compete with other students for printers.
A printer in their room or flat will be more useful.

2. Formal Wear

With job interviews, thesis presentations and a career on
the horizon, your university student will need to look his or her best.
Presenting him or her with a business suit or other clothing that could be used
for formal wear — a blouse, a tie, dress shoes — is a practical gift that the
university student will put to good use.

Maybe you don’t know what size your student wears or you want
to let him or her pick out the formal wear. Send a gift card for a formal-wear
store or a department store and let your student know the intention is for he
or she to add formalwear to their wardrobe.

3. Care Package

If your university student can’t get home as often as he’d like,
send a little piece of home to him. Bake your student’s favourite foods from
home and send them overnight, but make sure they’re foods that won’t spoil,
such as cookies and cakes, and wrap them well. If you’re leery of sending food,
you can go for non-edible reminders of home, such as handmade scarves or a
scrapbook. Try to send a reminder of your home holiday tradition.

4. Public Transit Cards

Unless your university student drives his own car, he’s likely
using the bus or underground to get from campus to errands and then back again.
Purchase public transit cards, like London’s Oyster card, as a gift and you
free up room in his budget for other necessities or treats. This is an
especially helpful gift for those starting their career search; they’ll
frequently be headed into the city for job interviews.

5. Money

If all your other ideas fail, you can’t go wrong with a
monetary gift. Money can go a long way toward rent, a meal plan, textbooks or
the latest gadget need for studies. A university student can also take the money
and spend it on something special for himself, something you might not have
been able to pick out without knowing his tastes. Place the gift in a holiday
card, and it will be one of the most appreciated this year.

About the
Author:Sean Bostick is a
contributing writer and professional personal shopper. Having to shop for
dozens of university students through the years, he uses sites like Cartridge Discount UK when it
comes to more technological purchases.